U.S. patent application number 14/735375 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for bat with performance governing barrel and vibration dampening connection.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Haas, Doug Heimer, Tyler Scott Jessie, Matthew V. Vacek, Peter Wiese.
Application Number | 20150273295 14/735375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54188914 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150273295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haas; Michael ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
Bat With Performance Governing Barrel And Vibration Dampening
Connection
Abstract
A bat for striking a ball comprises an axis, a handle, and a
barrel. The handle includes a knob end, an attachment end, and a
length separating the knob end from the attachment end. The barrel
includes an end cap end, a barrel portion, a barrel length, and a
transition section. The transition section is operatively attached
to the attachment end of the handle. The bat can include a joint
connecting the transition section to the attachment end while
separating the barrel from the handle. Further, the bat can include
an internal tubular member operatively attached to the end cap end
and positioned within the barrel. A knob can be attached to the
knob end of the handle while an end cap can be attached to the end
cap end of the barrel. A grip can be attached to the handle
adjacent the knob.
Inventors: |
Haas; Michael; (Onalaska,
WI) ; Jessie; Tyler Scott; (La Crosse, WI) ;
Wiese; Peter; (La Crosse, WI) ; Heimer; Doug;
(La Crosse, WI) ; Vacek; Matthew V.; (La Crosse,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54188914 |
Appl. No.: |
14/735375 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14099710 |
Dec 6, 2013 |
|
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14735375 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/520 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/06 20151001;
A63B 2102/182 20151001; A63B 60/54 20151001; A63B 59/50 20151001;
A63B 60/42 20151001; A63B 2102/18 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/00 20060101
A63B059/00; A63B 59/06 20060101 A63B059/06 |
Claims
1. A bat for striking a ball, comprising: a handle; a barrel having
an end cap end, a barrel portion with a preferred hitting area, and
a transition section, the preferred hitting area of the barrel
portion spaced between the end cap end and the transition section,
the transition section connected to the handle; an end cap
operatively attached to the end cap end; and an internal tubular
member positioned within the barrel and operatively attached to the
end cap end, the internal tubular member extending toward the
transition section and including an outside diameter, wherein the
outside diameter increases proximate to the preferred hitting area
of the barrel portion and the outside diameter is radially spaced
from the preferred hitting area of the barrel portion.
2. The bat of claim 1, wherein: the preferred hitting area of the
barrel portion includes an axial length; and the outside diameter
of the internal tubular member is substantially consistent from the
end cap end to the axial length of the preferred hitting area of
the barrel portion and is increased along the axial length of the
preferred hitting area of the barrel portion.
3. The bat of claim 1, wherein: the preferred hitting area of the
barrel portion has a starting location spaced from the end cap end
and an ending location positioned between the starting location and
the transition section; and the outside diameter of the internal
tubular member increases proximate the starting location and the
increased outside diameter ends proximate the ending location of
the preferred hitting area.
4. The bat of claim 1, wherein the preferred hitting area of the
barrel portion deflects upon contact with a ball and the increased
outside diameter of the internal tubular member restricts that
deflection.
5. The bat of claim 1, wherein the internal tubular member is fixed
to the end cap.
6. The bat of claim 1, wherein the internal tubular member and the
end cap are fixed to the end cap end of the barrel by a mechanical
fixture.
7. The bat of claim 1, wherein the internal tubular member and the
end cap are fixed to the end cap end of the barrel by adhesion.
8. The bat of claim 1, where the handle, barrel, and internal
tubular member are comprised of composite.
9. A bat for striking a ball, comprising: a barrel including an end
cap end, a barrel portion and a transition section; an end cap
attached to the end cap end of the barrel; and an internal tubular
member attached to the end cap, the internal tubular member
extending toward the transition section, the internal tubular
member including a first portion adjacent the end cap and having a
first outside diameter, and a second portion on an opposite side of
the first portion from the end cap and having an enlarged second
outside diameter, the enlarged second outside diameter of the
internal tubular member being radially spaced from the barrel
portion of the barrel so that upon contact of the barrel portion
with a ball adjacent the enlarged second outside diameter the
barrel portion deflects and the enlarged second outside diameter of
the internal tubular member restricts the deflection of the
barrel.
10. The bat of claim 9, wherein: the barrel portion of the barrel
includes a preferred hitting area located adjacent the enlarged
second outside diameter of the internal tubular member.
11. The bat of claim 10, wherein: the enlarged second outside
diameter of the internal tubular member reduces performance of the
bat when hitting a ball in the preferred hitting area.
12. The bat of claim 11, wherein: areas of the bat adjacent the
preferred hitting area have a relatively higher performance level
than they could have in the absence of the internal tubular member,
for a given maximum allowed performance level of the bat.
13. The bat of claim 10, wherein: the preferred hitting area is
located in a range of from four to eight inches from the end cap
end.
14. The bat of claim 10, wherein: the preferred hitting area is
located in a range of from five to seven inches from the end cap
end.
15. The bat of claim 9, wherein: the outside diameter of the
internal tubular member increases abruptly from the first outside
diameter to the second outside diameter in a step.
16. The bat of claim 9, wherein: the outside diameter of the
internal tubular member increases smoothly in a taper from the
first outside diameter to the second outside diameter.
17. The bat of claim 9, wherein: the internal tubular member is
attached to the end cap by a mechanical fixture.
18. The bat of claim 9, wherein: the internal tubular member is
attached to the end cap by adhesion.
19. The bat of claim 9, wherein: the internal tubular member has a
constant internal diameter.
20. A bat for striking a ball comprising: a handle; a barrel having
an end cap end, a barrel portion with a preferred hitting area, and
a transition section, the transition section connected to the
handle, the preferred hitting area of the barrel portion including
a starting location spaced from the end cap end and an ending
location positioned between the starting location and the
transition section; an end cap; an internal tubular member attached
to the end cap, the internal tubular member extending toward the
transition section and including a consistent internal diameter, an
increasing outside diameter, and a length, wherein the increasing
outside diameter is substantially consistent from the end cap end
to the starting location of the preferred hitting area of the
barrel portion, expands proximate the starting location, and ends
proximate the ending location of the preferred hitting area;
wherein the preferred hitting area of the barrel portion deflects
upon contact with a ball and the increasing outside diameter of the
internal tubular member restricts that deflection; and wherein the
internal tubular member and the end cap are fixed to the end cap
end of the barrel.
Description
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
[0002] All patents and publications discussed herein are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to bats used in
diamond sports, such as baseball and softball. More particularly,
the disclosure relates to a bat having an increased performance
based upon the barrel configuration and/or a reduced vibration
transfer based upon the connection between the barrel and the
handle. The performance advancement can effectively increase the
batted ball performance from the bat such that a larger portion of
the barrel section can produce a batted ball performance that
approximates the maximum batted ball performance allowed by a
regulatory agency or body for the particular diamond sport. The
reduced vibration advancement can effectively increase the feel of
the bat in the batters hands, reduce the "stinging" sensation
transmitted to the batters hands when hitting a ball, and may add
to the bat performance.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] It can be appreciated that numerous attempts have been made
to improve the performance of a bat. These prior attempts have
included the addition of various shells, inserts, materials, and
shapes of the bat in order to improve its performance or usage. For
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,867,114, 7,014,580, 6,949,038, 6,761,653
6,733,404, 6,663,517, 6,497,631, 6,398,675, 6,176,795, 6,022,282,
4,930,772, 4,331,330, and 3,990,699, and U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos. 2002/0016230, 2002/0091022, 2005/0070384,
2010/0160095, 2011/0152015, 2013/0274039, and 2013/0165279 disclose
various attempts to improve the performance or use of a bat.
[0005] The performance of a bat is generally based upon the weight
of the bat, length of the bat, and the impact response of the bat
at and during impact with a ball. Most of the focus for
improvements in bat technology has been in improving the
performance of the preferred impact area, or "sweet spot". As the
prior art bats have increased the performance in this area, many of
the sports regulatory agencies have placed performance and/or
configuration restrictions on the bats. For example, most
regulatory bodies set a maximum performance level of a bat when a
ball impacts the preferred impact area, or sweet spot, of that bat.
Typically, this impact performance level is measured from the speed
of the ball off the bat right after impact. The sweet spot is
approximately four to eight inches, and usually five to seven
inches, from the end cap end of the bat barrel and is the location
on the bat that will typically produce the greatest batted ball
performance.
[0006] Historically, the performance of a bat in areas adjacent to
the sweet spot of that bat show significant reductions in
performance. The contemporary bat art has made few attempts to
improve the performance of the bat sections adjacent the preferred
impact area. As such, the performance of the bats in areas distal
from, and even adjacent to, the sweet spot dramatically drops for
the conventional bats. The portion of the prior art that has
attempted to address this need has drawbacks.
[0007] Further, the bat art has attempted to improve a batter's
enjoyment, and to some level the batter's performance, of the
batted ball game. This enjoyment can be substantially affected by
the "feel", or perception, a batter has with a particular bat. Some
of this qualitative "feel" concept is controlled by the management
of the vibrational energy transferred, or imparted, to the hands of
the batter when a ball impacts the barrel of the bat. The concept,
also known as shock or "sting", is well known in the art. There
have been numerous attempts to improve a batter's enjoyment by
controlling the energy transfer to his/her hands.
[0008] For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,572,197, 7,201,679, 7,128,670,
6,945,886, 6,929,573, 6,863,628, 6,743,127, 6,702,698, 5,593,158,
5,219,164, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.
2008/0064538 and 2011/0111892 disclose various attempts to improve
the energy control or the shock attenuating features of a bat. Most
of these prior attempts involve complicated structures, are
ineffective in the energy dissipation, and/or substantially
decrease the batted ball performance of the bat when so
constructed.
[0009] Thus, there is a continuing need for improved overall
performance of bats. These improved bats need to conform to the
regulatory agencies' restrictions in the preferred hitting zone
while performing well at locations that are longitudinally outside
the preferred hitting zone. These improved bats preferably increase
the performance in locations adjacent the preferred hitting
area/zone as compared to the preferred hitting zone. These improved
bats, or features of a bat, are lacking in the art.
[0010] Further, there is a need for bats that facilitate a
controlled energy transfer between the bat and the batter's hands
upon a struck ball. These improved bats preferably facilitate an
improved comfort to the batter while maintaining desired
performance levels in the bat. These improved bats, or features of
a bat, are lacking in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Disclosed herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat
comprises an axis, a handle, and a barrel. The handle includes a
knob end, an attachment end, and a length separating the knob end
from the attachment end. The barrel includes an end cap end, a
barrel portion, a barrel length, and a transition section. The
transition section is operatively attached to the attachment end of
the handle. The bat can include a joint connecting the transition
section to the attachment end while separating the barrel from the
handle. Further, the bat can include an internal tubular member
operatively attached to the end cap end and positioned within the
barrel. A knob can be attached to the knob end of the handle while
an end cap can be attached to the end cap end of the barrel. A grip
can be attached to the handle adjacent the knob.
[0012] In an embodiment, the joint connects the transition section
to the attachment end and includes a collar, a securing device, and
a polyurethane spacer. The collar can be attached to the attachment
end of the handle and to the transition section of the barrel. The
securing device can be attached to the handle proximate to the
collar and opposite the knob end of the handle. The polyurethane
spacer can be attached to the handle and to the collar with the
spacer positioned to separate at least a portion of the collar from
the attachment end of the handle.
[0013] In a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure, the
transition section can define a handle opening opposite the end cap
end of the barrel. Further the securing device can be annular in
shape and include an outside diameter that is larger than the
handle opening. The collar can include an internal diameter that is
smaller than the outside diameter of the securing device, while the
securing device can be spaced from the collar when attached to the
handle.
[0014] The joint can further include an external covering
positioned on the collar proximate to the transition section. The
external covering can be substantially flushed with the transition
section and can engage the handle and collar. An internal support
can be positioned in the attachment end of the handle such that the
internal support is aligned along the axis of the bat and extends
past the transition section of the barrel towards the knob end.
Further the polyurethane spacer can have a hardness of between
approximately 40-60 Shore A.
[0015] A bat made in accordance with the current disclosure can
include an internal tubular member positioned within the barrel and
operatively attached to the end cap end. The internal tubular
member can extend towards the transition section of the barrel and
can include a consistent internal diameter, an increasing outside
diameter, and a length. The increasing outside diameter can
increase proximate to the preferred hitting area of the barrel
portion.
[0016] The preferred hitting area of the barrel portion can include
an axial length, wherein the increasing outside diameter of the
internal tubular member is substantially consistent from the end
cap end to the axial length of the preferred hitting area of the
barrel portion. The increasing outside diameter can increase along
the axial length of the preferred hitting area of the barrel
portion. The preferred hitting area of the barrel portion can be
described as having a starting location spaced from the end cap end
and an ending location positioned between the starting location and
the transition section. The increasing outside diameter of the
internal tubular member can expand proximate to the starting
location and end proximate to the ending location of the preferred
hitting area. This internal tubular member can restrict the
deflection of the preferred hitting area of the barrel portion when
that preferred hitting area deflects upon contact with a ball.
[0017] It is contemplated that a bat made in accordance with this
disclosure can have the barrel governance, as with the internal
tubular member, or the vibration reduction, as with the joint, or
both.
[0018] It is therefore a general object of the present disclosure
to provide a bat with an improved batted ball performance.
[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a bat
that meets regulatory standards in the preferred hitting area as
well as the areas adjacent to the preferred hitting area.
[0020] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
bat having an improved barrel.
[0021] Another object of the present disclosure is to enlarge the
effective preferred hitting area of the bat.
[0022] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide
a bat having an enlarged sweet spot.
[0023] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
bat having an improved connection between the handle and
barrel.
[0024] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a bat
having a connection between the handle and barrel that regulates
energy transfer between the handle and barrel.
[0025] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide
a bat having a connection between the handle and barrel that
reduces the "sting" felt by a user of the bat.
[0026] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art upon reading of the following disclosure when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bat made in accordance with the
current disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bat shown in FIG.
1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of the bat shown in
FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the joint area of the bat shown
in FIGS. 2-3.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross sectional view of the joint area
of a bat made in accordance with current disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a detailed cross sectional view of the joint area
of a bat made in accordance with current disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross sectional view of the joint area
of a bat made in accordance with current disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross sectional view of the barrel of a
bat made in accordance with current disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a detailed cross sectional view of the barrel of
the bat shown in FIG. 2.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a chart of test data showing the batted ball
speed of two test bats and a bat made in accordance with current
disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a graph of the test data of FIG. 10 between test
bat 2 and a bat made in accordance with current disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a graph of frequency data between a test bat and
a bat made in accordance with current disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1-10, shown and generally
designated by the numeral 10 is an embodiment of a bat of the
present disclosure. The bat 10 is for hitting a ball 12 in a game,
such as a diamond sport game, like baseball or softball. The bat 10
includes an axis 24 and a barrel 14 having a transition section 16.
A handle 18 is operatively attached to the transition section 16
and can have a knob end 26 that attaches to a knob 20 the
transition section 16. An attachment end 28 of the handle 18 can
operatively engage the transition section 16 of the barrel 14. The
handle 18 can have an overall length 30 that can separate the knob
end 26 from the attachment end 28. Preferably that length 30 of the
handle 18 positions the attachment end 28 such that it terminates
proximate to the transition section 16. Alternately, the handle 18
can end within the transition section 16.
[0040] The barrel 14 can have an end cap end 22 and a barrel
portion 32 that is sized and positioned for contact with the ball
12. An end cap 42 can be secured to the end cap end 22 of the
barrel 14. In the barrel portion 32, a preferred hitting area 34
can be positioned. This preferred hitting area 34 is spaced between
the end cap end 22 and the transition section 16. The preferred
hitting area is typically located approximately 4-8 inches, and
usually between 5-7 inches, from the end cap end 22 of the barrel
14. This location of the preferred hitting area 34 can be described
as having an axial length 36. Alternately described, the preferred
hitting area 34 can have a starting location 38 spaced from the end
cap end 22 and an ending location 40 positioned between the
starting location 38 and the transition section 16. It is the
preferred hitting area 34 that conventionally produces the largest
batted ball performance when a ball 12 is affected by a force 44 to
the bat 10.
[0041] In an embodiment of the bat 10, an internal tubular member
46 is positioned within the barrel 14 and is operatively attached
to the end cap end 22. This internal tubular member 46 can be
attached to the end cap 42 by a mechanical fixture or adhesion.
Other methods of attachment between the internal tubular member 46
and the end cap 42 or the end cap end 22 will be readily apparent
to one skilled in the art.
[0042] For example, the internal tubular member 46 can be friction
fit onto the end cap 42 and then that assembly can be placed into
the end cap end 22 of the barrel 14. The end cap and internal
tubular member assembly can then be fixed to the end cap end 22,
such as by adhesion. For example, polyurethane can be used to
secure the end cap and internal tubular member assembly in place.
Additional mechanical locking elements, such as tongue and groove
configurations, can also be used to facilities securement of the
end cap and internal tubular member assembly into the barrel 14.
For example, one or more pins 56 can be used to secure the internal
tubular member 46 to the end cap 42, and adhesive can further
reinforce the connection of the end cap and internal tubular member
assembly into the barrel 14.
[0043] In an embodiment, the internal tubular member 46 extends
toward the transition section 16 from the end cap end 22. The
internal tubular member 46 can include a consistent internal
diameter 48, an increasing outside diameter 50, and a length 52.
The outside diameter 50 increases at a location proximate to the
preferred hitting area 34 of the bell portion 32 as best seen in
FIGS. 8-9.
[0044] The outside diameter 50 of the internal tubular member 46
can be described as expanding proximate to the starting location 38
of the preferred hitting area 34 and extending to the ending
location 40 of the preferred hitting area 34. In this embodiment,
the internal tubular member 46 has a substantially consistent
outside diameter 50 from its engagement to the end cap 42 at the
end cap end 22. This outside diameter 50 can remain spaced from the
barrel portion 32 as the internal tubular member 46 extends along
the axis. As the internal tubular member extends along the axis 24
of the bat 10, the outside diameter 50 can begin to expand towards
the barrel portion 32 proximate to the starting location 38 of the
preferred hitting area 34. This expanded portion of the outside
diameter 50 can continue to approximately the ending location 40 of
the preferred hitting area 30. In this configuration, the outside
diameter 50 is closer to the barrel portion 34 along the axial
length 36 of the preferred hitting area 34 than other locations
along the length 52 of the internal tubular member 46.
[0045] This configuration of the internal tubular member
facilitates engagement between the barrel portion 32 and the
internal tubular member 46. More specifically, this configuration
facilitates engagement of the outside diameter 50 of internal
tubular member 46 and the preferred hitting area 34 of the barrel
portion 32 when a ball 12 strikes the preferred hitting area 34 of
the bat 10. This engagement can reduce the performance, such as the
batted ball speed, of a ball 12 struck from the preferred hitting
area 34. This allows the bat 10 to have a modified performance
level.
[0046] In this configuration, the areas adjacent to the preferred
hitting area 34 can have a higher performance level then
conventionally possible. In a conventional bat, the performance
curve is generally "bell" shaped with the highest performance at
the sweet spot. Since the sweet spot is the location tested by most
regulatory bodies, the top of the "bell" curved performance must be
below the performance restrictions. This necessitates the rest of
the performance is decidedly below that performance level also.
[0047] The current barrel configuration allows a bat to be
constructed that has a hitting section with a performance that
meets, or approximates, the top regulated performance level over a
greater length of the barrel section--a section extending longer
than just the sweet spot. For example, a bat can be configured such
that the performance level at the preferred hitting area would
exceed regulatory restrictions. In this bat, the areas adjacent to
the preferred hitting area would meet or approximate the maximum
performance level. Once the internal tubular member 46 is
positioned within the barrel 14, the force applied to the preferred
hitting area 34 will facilitate the engagement of the outside
diameter 50 and the internal surface of the preferred hitting area
34. This will reduce the overall performance of that preferred
hitting area 34, thus bringing the bat within the performance
limitations of the regulatory bodies. The resulting bat performance
level that departs from the traditional bell curved shaped
performance and has more of a plateaued shaped performance with a
larger portion of the bat at the maximum performance level.
[0048] In another embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the
current disclosure, a joint 60 is included. The joint 60 can
connect the transition section 16 of the barrel 14 to the
attachment end 28 of the handle 18. This joint 60 can separate the
barrel 14 from the handle 18. The joint can include a collar 62
attached to the portion of the handle adjacent the attachment end
28 and attached to the transition section 16. A securing device 64
can attach to the handle 18 proximate to the collar 62 and opposite
the knob end 26. A polyurethane spacer 66 can attach to the handle
18 and collar 62. The polyurethane spacer 66 can be positioned to
separate at least a portion of the collar 62 from the attachment
end 28 of the handle 18.
[0049] The transition section 16 of the barrel 14 can define a
handle opening 54 positioned opposite the end cap end 22. A portion
of the handle 18 adjacent the attachment end 28 is received in the
handle opening, and the barrel 14 overlaps with the handle 18 along
an overlap 78. The securing device 64 can have an annular shape and
include an outside diameter that is larger than the handle opening
54. Further, the collar 62 can include an internal diameter 68 that
is smaller than the outside diameter 65 of the securing device 64.
This securing device 64 can maintain the connection between the
handle 18 and barrel 14 if part of the connection in the joint 60
is lost.
[0050] Collar 62 includes an annular collar ring portion 80 having
an inner bore 82, and the collar 62 includes a tapered collar
sleeve portion 84 extending from the collar ring portion 80 toward
the barrel end cap 42. The tapered collar sleeve portion 84 has an
inner surface 86 and an outer surface 88. The inner bore 82 of the
ring portion 80 of collar 62 can be adhered to the attachment end
28 of the handle 18. The securing device 64, which can be a ring
like structure, can be press fit onto the attachment end 28 of the
handle 18. This securing device 64 can be spaced from the inner
surface 86 of the tapered collar sleeve portion 84 of the collar
62. Next, a polyurethane spacer 66 can be filled within the gap 90
between the tapered collar sleeve portion 84 of the collar 62 and
the attachment end 28. The handle 18 and joint assembly with the
collar 62, securing device 64, and polyurethane spacer 66 can be
adhered to the transition section 16 of the barrel 14. More
specifically, the outer surface 88 of the collar 62 can be adhered
to the internal surface of the transition section 16.
[0051] The polyurethane spacer 66 can be applied in liquid form and
allowed to harden. When hardened, the polyurethane spacer can have
a hardness of between approximately 40-60 Shore A. Alternately, the
polyurethane spacer 66 can have a hardness of between approximately
45-55 Shore A. Alternately. the polyurethane spacer 66 can have a
hardness of approximately 50 Shore A. This level of hardness allows
some flexibility and movement of the handle 18 at the attachment
end 28 in relation to the transition section 16 of the barrel 14.
This is represented by line 74. The polyurethane spacer 66 can also
absorb vibrational energy transmitted along the barrel 14 from an
impact of a ball 12 before that energy is transferred to the handle
18 and onto the hands of a user.
[0052] The collar can be shaped such that an extension portion 61
extends past the handle opening 54 of the transition section 16, as
best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternately, the collar 62 can end
proximate the end of the transition section 16 at the handle
opening 54, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7. An external covering 72
can be positioned proximate to the collar 62. This external
covering 72 can provide additional support to the joint 60. The
external covering 72 can be cosmetic in nature and allow for a
smooth transition from the transition section 16 to the handle 18.
This is best seen in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. This external covering 72
can be substantially flush with the transition section 16 and can
engage the handle 18 and the collar 62.
[0053] An internal support 70 can be positioned in the attachment
end 28 of the handle 18. The internal support 70 is preferably
friction fit within the attachment end 28 of the handle 18 and can
provide additional strength to the attachment end 28. The internal
support 70 can extend to the end of the attachment end 28 and be
substantially even with or extend past the end of the collar 62 as
seen in FIGS. 4 and 7. In a preferred embodiment, the internal
support 70 is comprised of metal, such as aluminum, while the
handle 18, barrel 14, and internal tubular member 46 are composed
of composite.
[0054] In testing, a bat made in accordance with the current
disclosure has shown improved performance and better feel as
compared to other conventional bats. For example, FIG. 10 shows
test data from two test bats and the current inventive bat. Those
results are charted in FIG. 11. In all cases, an improvement in bat
performance was seen at six testing speeds ranging from 60 mph to
110 mph. Further, FIG. 12 charts the vibrational energy between one
of the conventional test bats and the current inventive bat. This
chart shows that the current inventive bat has approximately a 60%
lower amplitude of vibration at the second node--approximately at
the 600 frequency location--which corresponds to the current theory
of the location of vibration frequency that most affects the
"stinging" sensation to a batter. Please see the world wide web at
acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/sting-damp.html for further
explanation.
[0055] Thus, although there have been described particular
embodiments of the present disclosure of a new and useful Bat with
Performance Governing Barrel and Vibration Dampening Connection, it
is not intended that such references be construed as limitations
upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *